WO2021006847A1 - A warning system allowing driver to be informed regarding life of vibration isolators in vehicles - Google Patents

A warning system allowing driver to be informed regarding life of vibration isolators in vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021006847A1
WO2021006847A1 PCT/TR2020/050607 TR2020050607W WO2021006847A1 WO 2021006847 A1 WO2021006847 A1 WO 2021006847A1 TR 2020050607 W TR2020050607 W TR 2020050607W WO 2021006847 A1 WO2021006847 A1 WO 2021006847A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bushing
data
sensor assembly
vehicle
service life
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/TR2020/050607
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yunus Emre Eşi̇yok
Original Assignee
Yamas Yaşar Maki̇na Kalip Oto Yedek Parça Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
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Application filed by Yamas Yaşar Maki̇na Kalip Oto Yedek Parça Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇ filed Critical Yamas Yaşar Maki̇na Kalip Oto Yedek Parça Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Publication of WO2021006847A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021006847A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/018—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the use of a specific signal treatment or control method
    • B60G17/0185—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the use of a specific signal treatment or control method for failure detection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
    • B60G11/22—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having rubber springs only
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/019—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by the type of sensor or the arrangement thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F1/00—Springs
    • F16F1/36—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers
    • F16F1/38—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers with a sleeve of elastic material between a rigid outer sleeve and a rigid inner sleeve or pin, i.e. bushing-type
    • F16F1/3835—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers with a sleeve of elastic material between a rigid outer sleeve and a rigid inner sleeve or pin, i.e. bushing-type characterised by the sleeve of elastic material, e.g. having indentations or made of materials of different hardness
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F1/00—Springs
    • F16F1/36—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers
    • F16F1/38—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers with a sleeve of elastic material between a rigid outer sleeve and a rigid inner sleeve or pin, i.e. bushing-type
    • F16F1/3863—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers with a sleeve of elastic material between a rigid outer sleeve and a rigid inner sleeve or pin, i.e. bushing-type characterised by the rigid sleeves or pin, e.g. of non-circular cross-section
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F1/00—Springs
    • F16F1/36—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers
    • F16F1/38—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers with a sleeve of elastic material between a rigid outer sleeve and a rigid inner sleeve or pin, i.e. bushing-type
    • F16F1/393—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers with a sleeve of elastic material between a rigid outer sleeve and a rigid inner sleeve or pin, i.e. bushing-type with spherical or conical sleeves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/10—Type of spring
    • B60G2202/14—Plastic spring, e.g. rubber
    • B60G2202/143—Plastic spring, e.g. rubber subjected to compression
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/14—Mounting of suspension arms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/15—Mounting of subframes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
    • B60G2204/41—Elastic mounts, e.g. bushings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/90—Other conditions or factors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/90—Other conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/94—Deformation of a vehicle part
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2401/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
    • B60G2401/10—Piezoelectric elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2401/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
    • B60G2401/12—Strain gauge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2401/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
    • B60G2401/14—Photo or light sensitive means, e.g. Infrared
    • B60G2401/144—Fiber optic sensor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/04—Means for informing, instructing or displaying
    • B60G2600/042—Monitoring means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/04—Means for informing, instructing or displaying
    • B60G2600/044—Alarm means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2800/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of movement or to the condition of the vehicle and to the end result to be achieved by the control action
    • B60G2800/70—Estimating or calculating vehicle parameters or state variables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2800/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of movement or to the condition of the vehicle and to the end result to be achieved by the control action
    • B60G2800/80—Detection or control after a system or component failure
    • B60G2800/802—Diagnostics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F2230/00—Purpose; Design features
    • F16F2230/08—Sensor arrangement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F2230/00—Purpose; Design features
    • F16F2230/24—Detecting or preventing malfunction, e.g. fail safe
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F2230/00—Purpose; Design features
    • F16F2230/46—Maintenance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a warning system allowing the driver to be informed regarding life of vibration isolators in vehicles through the sensor-bushings included.
  • the invention relates to a warning system allowing the driver to be informed by generating data about life of a vibration isolator for measuring parameters such as displacement- force, dynamic spring constant, static spring constant through a sensor assembly located on the bushing structure, which allows collecting data about different operating axis and operating conditions in vehicles and to a method for detecting the lives of isolators on a vehicle allowing such warning data to be generated.
  • the invention relates to a life tracking and warning system for the remaining life of a bushing in cases where the bushing operates on a predetermined displacement value, within a predetermined time or a predetermined kilometer by tracking the change in its performance through a sensor assembly included within the bushing on the vehicle and a related method.
  • Bushings are generally rubber, rubber-metal or rubber-plastic vibration isolators that are custom designed for decreasing vibration and noise being exposed by the vehicle at the connection points of suspension parts to vehicle frame in motor vehicles and unstable behaviours in the system, minimizing the noise and vibrations caused by road on vehicle by its construction and by the movement allowed for the suspension parts and allowing suspension parts to move freely.
  • bushing structures available called hydraulic bushing, preferably comprising a hydraulic fluid and allowing the fluid to pass from a chamber to other through a duct.
  • hydraulic bushings have a complex structure compared to traditional bushings, they comprise a rubber structure providing all or a significant part of damping, which is an essential component of all bushings.
  • bushings work under loads which have continuously variable size and directions due to their functions and locations.
  • Bushings are exposed to radial, axial, cardanic and torsional movements according to location and place where they are mounted in suspension system.
  • Rubber part subject to repetitive compression and tension loadings warms by time as it unceasingly passes a relaxation point and its chemical bonds weaken and start to break off in a while. Therefore performance of bushings decrease over time and they complete their lives due to the physical and mechanical changes they undergo over time.
  • Bushing producers obtain results concerning mechanical and physical attributes of bushings by conducting static characterization tests to determine their behaviours under force or any change in shape and dynamic characterization tests in which elastic, visco-elastic and damping attributes of products from low frequencies to high frequencies under repeated loads are presented before they are released to market.
  • fatigue tests and durability tests are conducted to predict how the parts would exhibit a behaviour during their service life, that is under real operating conditions, by tracking the physical and mechanical changes of the product by subjecting the product to loads under different dynamic loading conditions in one or more degree (direction) of freedom. Life test continues until the product physically breaks and destroyed while durability test continues until change in a particular attribute of the product is seen or a determined cycle is completed.
  • Fatigue tests may be conducted as force or displacement-controlled.
  • Static characterization tests are conducted to determine the behaviour of the product under any change of force or form and change in the value of static spring constant (static stiffness - the force necessary to create unit shape difference in subject), i.e. change in displacement-force is analyzed. These tests are conducted before and after life test or at certain intervals. The relation between change in force and shape is illustrated by force-displacement curve.
  • displacement changing curve is used when analysing the fatigue behaviour of the part as the force will be constant during the determined number of cycles. This change is not sufficiently solely to evaluate the test result of the part but provides information concerning crack and beginning of deformation.
  • static spring constant is measured within the determined parameters before and after the fatigue test. An excessive change in static values means that the life performance of bushing worsens. Finally the part is visually checked against any deformation, cracks, breaking etc. and the fatigue test result is determined.
  • Performance evaluation is conducted under laboratory conditions before the produced bushings are released, however, the performance of bushings that are currently used within vehicle is provided through visual controls and it is determined whether they are at the end of their service lives, that is whether they should be replaced or not. It is quite difficult to determine the service life of a bushing by a driver.
  • the visual checking should be conducted by a specialist such as a maintenance personnel/mechanic. This may cause a checking cost to the driver. Therefore bushings are generally checked during the periodical checks of vehicles. However it is impossible to detect a bushing with a decreasing performance and/or a bushing of which service life is over between two periodical controls.
  • GB2494663A provides a system for tracking a vibration isolator between a first part and a second part.
  • the system comprises a light source, an optical sensor installed for obtaining light for the light source and an operation unit determining the amount of deformation of vibration isolator connection based on the outlet of optical sensor.
  • the sensor system stated in the document it is impossible for the sensor system stated in the document to measure the movement in three axis as it allows only single-axis measurement.
  • the system in GB2494663A gives warning each time the defined parameter exceeds a defined range of values.
  • instant peak values do not give correct information concerning performance and hence the service life of a bushing. Such values should be interpreted after being evaluated for a certain period.
  • the object of the invention is to present a warning system an on-vehicle bushing life detection method making it possible for the driver to have information about the remaining life of vibration isolators or the relevant bushing among them by tracking the change in their performance during the service life of bushings used on a vehicle, thus giving warning for the cases in which the bushing operates over a predetermined displacement value, within a predetermined time or a predetermined kilometer.
  • Another object of the invention is to make it possible to measure the movement in three axes buy presenting a bushing structure including plural sensor assembly located on different operation axes.
  • Still another object of the invention is to make it possible for the tracked parameter to give warning when a bushing operates in a predetermined time or kilometer over the relevant range instead of each time the tracked parameter exceeds the range.
  • Another object is to provide a performance and service life evaluation that is closest to real conditions by making it possible for the tracked parameter to only give warning when it operates in a predetermined period or kilometer over the determined range.
  • Figure 1 a is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located within the inner tube.
  • Figure 1 b is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located between the inner tube and the rubber body.
  • Figure 2a is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located within the rubber body.
  • Figure 2b is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located between the rubber body and the outer tube.
  • Figure 3a is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located within the outer tube.
  • Figure 3b is a top section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located on the surface of outer tube surface area.
  • Figure 4a is a perspective view of the inventive bushing structure with sensor.
  • Figure 4b is a detailed technical drawing of the inventive bushing structure with sensor.
  • Figure 5a is a view illustrating the location of the inventive bushing structures on the vehicle.
  • Figure 5b is a perspective view illustrating the location of the inventive bushing structures on a vehicle frame.
  • Figure 6 is a view illustrating system components of a warning system and the interaction between them.
  • the invention relates to a bushing service life warning system (80) making it possible for the driver to be informed concerning the remaining life of bushing by tracking the changes in performance of a bushing used on a vehicle, therefore comprising bushing with at least one sensor assembly giving warning in cases in which a bushing operates over a predetermined displacement value within a predetermined time or at a predetermined kilometer and an on-vehicle bushing service life detection method.
  • the bushing including the sensor assembly comprises an outer tube (20), an inner tube (10) positioned concentrically to the outer tube, an elastomer body (30) located and providing connection between the outer tube (20) and inner tube (10) and at least a sensor assembly (40). Rubber material is used as an elastomer body (30) stated in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Outer tube (20) and inner tube (10) can be made of any materials such as metal, plastic etc. in the preferred embodiments of the invention.
  • sensor assembly (40) is a sensor measuring displacement (for example a fiber, piezoelectric, electromechanical) which is positioned in a manner to measure the displacement on the main axis of bushing. Furthermore the sensor assembly (40) can measure the force applied on the bushing (1 ) of which service life is detected on vehicle (90). Therefore warning system (80) provides force - displacement information via the sensor assembly (40) on the bushing (1 ) in its analysis of service life on vehicle (90). Besides acceleration and the temperature values in the bushing area can be measured through sensor assembly (40) in the bushing (1 ) service life warning system (80) with sensor assembly (40) and the obtained data is transferred to warning system (80).
  • sensor assembly (40) is a sensor measuring displacement (for example a fiber, piezoelectric, electromechanical) which is positioned in a manner to measure the displacement on the main axis of bushing. Furthermore the sensor assembly (40) can measure the force applied on the bushing (1 ) of which service life is detected on vehicle (90). Therefore warning system (80)
  • the bushing (1 ) of which service life will be measured includes at least a sensor assembly (40) positioned to collect data from different operation axes depending on the dynamic over the vehicle (90) it is included in. Therefore it is possible to perform measurement on multiple operation axes.
  • Figure 4a and 4b illustrate operation directions of the bushing (1 ) with sensor. Radial movement occurs around X and Y axis and axial movement occurs around Z axis. In the figures torsional operating direction (w) is illustrated for the axial movement around Z axis, cardanic operating direction is illustrated on Y axis for the radial movement on Y axis (b) and cardanic operating direction (Q) is illustrated on X axis for radial movement on X axis. Furthermore, Figures 5a and 5b are views respectively illustrating the location of the inventive bushing (1 ) structures with sensor on vehicle (90) and their locations on vehicle frame (91 ).
  • the sensor assembly (40), which is described in the preferred embodiments of the invention, can be positioned within the inner tube (10), on the outer surface of the inner tube (10), within elastomer body (30), on the inner surface of the outer tube (20), within the outer tube (20) or on the surface area of the outer tube (20) of the bushing.
  • Figures 1 a to 3b illustrates the sectional views of these components respectively.
  • Measurement or service life detection method applied in the in-vehicle bushing service life warning system (80) comprising a bushing (1 ) with the inventive sensor assembly (40) basically comprises sensing the parameter data determined on the rubber via the said sensor assembly (40) (for example displacement, force, acceleration or temperature) and transferring the same to a central processor unit on the vehicle (90), collecting the parameter data with a time stamp and storing the same in a memory unit, analyzing the data by comparing the same to a predetermined normal and limit values and giving the relevant warnings as a result of comparison.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the system components of the warning system (80) and the interaction between them.
  • the information on the said displacement, force, acceleration or temperature parameters are collected from all vibration isolation components connected to the vehicle frame (91 ), especially directly from bushings (1 ) on the vehicle (90), service life of bushings (1 ) to be evaluated based on such values are interpreted and the driver is informed about the components of which service life is over or almost over.
  • displacement or force data of a bushing is collected via a sensor assembly (40) located within a bushing (1) with a maximum ⁇ 3 mm displacement due to the forces arising from road and vehicle (90) in accordance with the area or point where it is located on the vehicle (90), the collected displacement or force data is analyzed and mean displacement or mean force values are calculated, hence driver or the technical service is warned about the case in which bushing (1 ) is out of the maximum displacement limits within the predetermined time or kilometer-based control cycle. Therefore the operator or driver of the vehicle (90), technical service or parties to which the said information should be transferred (for example spare parts supplier) can be informed that the service life of the bushing (1 ) on the vehicle (90) is over or almost over.
  • Dynamic spring constant change, static spring constant change, displacement-force change is analyzed in interpreting the service life of a bushing. Furthermore the bushing is visually checked against any deformation, cracks, breaking etc. and the fatigue test result is determined. Fatigue tests may be conducted as force or displacement-controlled.
  • the thermal energy occurring in a part due to the inner frictions during the movement of bushes is another parameter that effects the service life of a part.
  • the service life of a part can be predicted by also collecting temperature data except for displacement and force data.
  • Static parameters in the first run time of the bushing (1 ) are taken as reference and the relevant changes are provided to be analyzed and concluded according to this reference value in order to eliminate the effects of other suspension system components which are in interaction with the bushing (1 ) by means of the bushing (1 ) with sensor assembly (40) which is manufactured.
  • a warning system (80) where the control cycle is determined as a predetermined range, for example 1000 km; displacement values reached by the bushing (1 ) while driving the vehicle during for every 1000 km are collected by the sensor assembly (40), analyzed and warning is provided in cases where the displacement value is higher than ⁇ 3mm at the end of the range.
  • Bushings can displace over ⁇ 3mm occasionally, instantly or temporarily due to various ambient conditions such as the speed of the vehicle (90).
  • warning is given when the determined parameter value (displacement value for such example) exceeds the said threshold value for a determined km or a time period instead of the case where each time the determined parameter value exceeds the threshold value ( ⁇ 3mm displacement movement for this example). It is possible to give warning by tracking service life not only by measuring displacement but also by measuring force or acceleration.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an in-vehicle warning system comprising a bushing with at least a sensor (40) assembly comprised of an outer tube (20), an inner tube (10) concentrically positioned with the outer tube (20), an elastomer body (30) located between the outer tube (20) and inner tube (10), at least an electronic control unit (70) and memory and peripheral units connected thereto, a warning system generating information related to the service life of a bushing and a vibration isolator component service life method related to the same.

Description

A WARNING SYSTEM ALLOWING DRIVER TO BE INFORMED REGARDING LIFE OF
VIBRATION ISOLATORS IN VEHICLES
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a warning system allowing the driver to be informed regarding life of vibration isolators in vehicles through the sensor-bushings included.
More particularly the invention relates to a warning system allowing the driver to be informed by generating data about life of a vibration isolator for measuring parameters such as displacement- force, dynamic spring constant, static spring constant through a sensor assembly located on the bushing structure, which allows collecting data about different operating axis and operating conditions in vehicles and to a method for detecting the lives of isolators on a vehicle allowing such warning data to be generated.
More specifically the invention relates to a life tracking and warning system for the remaining life of a bushing in cases where the bushing operates on a predetermined displacement value, within a predetermined time or a predetermined kilometer by tracking the change in its performance through a sensor assembly included within the bushing on the vehicle and a related method.
State of the Art
Bushings are generally rubber, rubber-metal or rubber-plastic vibration isolators that are custom designed for decreasing vibration and noise being exposed by the vehicle at the connection points of suspension parts to vehicle frame in motor vehicles and unstable behaviours in the system, minimizing the noise and vibrations caused by road on vehicle by its construction and by the movement allowed for the suspension parts and allowing suspension parts to move freely. Furthermore there are bushing structures available called hydraulic bushing, preferably comprising a hydraulic fluid and allowing the fluid to pass from a chamber to other through a duct. Although hydraulic bushings have a complex structure compared to traditional bushings, they comprise a rubber structure providing all or a significant part of damping, which is an essential component of all bushings. All bushings work under loads which have continuously variable size and directions due to their functions and locations. Bushings are exposed to radial, axial, cardanic and torsional movements according to location and place where they are mounted in suspension system. Rubber part subject to repetitive compression and tension loadings warms by time as it unceasingly passes a relaxation point and its chemical bonds weaken and start to break off in a while. Therefore performance of bushings decrease over time and they complete their lives due to the physical and mechanical changes they undergo over time.
Currently a criteria or a standard determining the life performance of bushings defined by standards is unavailable. This is because many factors such as the features of rubber material within the structure of the bushing, bushing design and loads born by the vehicle according to the place and location of installation on the suspension system of the vehicle have influence over determining life performance of bushings. Therefore the service life of each bushing may be different from the other.
Bushing producers obtain results concerning mechanical and physical attributes of bushings by conducting static characterization tests to determine their behaviours under force or any change in shape and dynamic characterization tests in which elastic, visco-elastic and damping attributes of products from low frequencies to high frequencies under repeated loads are presented before they are released to market. In the meantime, fatigue tests and durability tests are conducted to predict how the parts would exhibit a behaviour during their service life, that is under real operating conditions, by tracking the physical and mechanical changes of the product by subjecting the product to loads under different dynamic loading conditions in one or more degree (direction) of freedom. Life test continues until the product physically breaks and destroyed while durability test continues until change in a particular attribute of the product is seen or a determined cycle is completed. Fatigue tests may be conducted as force or displacement-controlled.
Static characterization tests are conducted to determine the behaviour of the product under any change of force or form and change in the value of static spring constant (static stiffness - the force necessary to create unit shape difference in subject), i.e. change in displacement-force is analyzed. These tests are conducted before and after life test or at certain intervals. The relation between change in force and shape is illustrated by force-displacement curve. In a force-controlled test, displacement changing curve is used when analysing the fatigue behaviour of the part as the force will be constant during the determined number of cycles. This change is not sufficiently solely to evaluate the test result of the part but provides information concerning crack and beginning of deformation. In order to analyze the change in static value, static spring constant is measured within the determined parameters before and after the fatigue test. An excessive change in static values means that the life performance of bushing worsens. Finally the part is visually checked against any deformation, cracks, breaking etc. and the fatigue test result is determined.
Performance evaluation is conducted under laboratory conditions before the produced bushings are released, however, the performance of bushings that are currently used within vehicle is provided through visual controls and it is determined whether they are at the end of their service lives, that is whether they should be replaced or not. It is quite difficult to determine the service life of a bushing by a driver. The visual checking should be conducted by a specialist such as a maintenance personnel/mechanic. This may cause a checking cost to the driver. Therefore bushings are generally checked during the periodical checks of vehicles. However it is impossible to detect a bushing with a decreasing performance and/or a bushing of which service life is over between two periodical controls. A bushing of which service life is over or under a critical level between two periodical maintenance decreases the drive comfort, negatively effects the operation of other suspension members and endangers the safe driving of a vehicle. Furthermore, it is difficult and time-consuming to find the source of the problem as there are many components in suspension system and some components are impossible to be controlled visually due to their locations when a driver takes his/her vehicle for maintenance after noticing a decrease in driving comfort. As the performance of a bushing is evaluated visually, it is possible to replace a bushing which is in a good condition but with a decreasing service life or similarly replace unnecessarily a bushing of which service life is in good condition but which is visually in worn.
GB2494663A provides a system for tracking a vibration isolator between a first part and a second part. The system comprises a light source, an optical sensor installed for obtaining light for the light source and an operation unit determining the amount of deformation of vibration isolator connection based on the outlet of optical sensor. However it is impossible for the sensor system stated in the document to measure the movement in three axis as it allows only single-axis measurement. Furthermore the system in GB2494663A gives warning each time the defined parameter exceeds a defined range of values. However such instant peak values do not give correct information concerning performance and hence the service life of a bushing. Such values should be interpreted after being evaluated for a certain period. The system stated in GB2494663A gives warning at each peak value in bushing, therefore it is impossible to have a realistic performance and service life evaluation. Therefore, the need for a warning system and an on-vehicle bushing life warning method making it possible for the driver to have information about the remaining life of vibration isolators or the relevant bushing among them by tracking the change in their performance during the service life of bushings used on a vehicle, thus giving warning for the cases in which the bushing operates over a predetermined displacement value, within a predetermined time or a predetermined kilometer and led to the inventive solution to be presented.
Object and Brief Description of the Invention
The object of the invention is to present a warning system an on-vehicle bushing life detection method making it possible for the driver to have information about the remaining life of vibration isolators or the relevant bushing among them by tracking the change in their performance during the service life of bushings used on a vehicle, thus giving warning for the cases in which the bushing operates over a predetermined displacement value, within a predetermined time or a predetermined kilometer.
Another object of the invention is to make it possible to measure the movement in three axes buy presenting a bushing structure including plural sensor assembly located on different operation axes.
Still another object of the invention is to make it possible for the tracked parameter to give warning when a bushing operates in a predetermined time or kilometer over the relevant range instead of each time the tracked parameter exceeds the range.
Another object is to provide a performance and service life evaluation that is closest to real conditions by making it possible for the tracked parameter to only give warning when it operates in a predetermined period or kilometer over the determined range.
Brief Description of Figures
Figure 1 a is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located within the inner tube.
Figure 1 b is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located between the inner tube and the rubber body. Figure 2a is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located within the rubber body.
Figure 2b is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located between the rubber body and the outer tube.
Figure 3a is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located within the outer tube.
Figure 3b is a top section view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which sensor is located on the surface of outer tube surface area.
Figure 4a is a perspective view of the inventive bushing structure with sensor.
Figure 4b is a detailed technical drawing of the inventive bushing structure with sensor.
Figure 5a is a view illustrating the location of the inventive bushing structures on the vehicle.
Figure 5b is a perspective view illustrating the location of the inventive bushing structures on a vehicle frame.
Figure 6 is a view illustrating system components of a warning system and the interaction between them.
Reference Numerals
1. Bushing
1.1 . Control arm bushing
1.2. Subframe bushing
1.3. Trailing arm bushing 10. Inner tube
20. Outer tube
30. Elastomer body
40. Sensor assembly
50. Data collection system
60. Bushing service life parameters database
70. Electronic control unit
80. Warning system
90. Vehicle
91 . Vehicle frame w. Torsion operating direction (axial) b. Cardenic operating direction on Y axis (radial)
Q. Cardenic operating direction on X axis (radial)
Detailed Description of The Invention
The invention relates to a bushing service life warning system (80) making it possible for the driver to be informed concerning the remaining life of bushing by tracking the changes in performance of a bushing used on a vehicle, therefore comprising bushing with at least one sensor assembly giving warning in cases in which a bushing operates over a predetermined displacement value within a predetermined time or at a predetermined kilometer and an on-vehicle bushing service life detection method. The bushing including the sensor assembly comprises an outer tube (20), an inner tube (10) positioned concentrically to the outer tube, an elastomer body (30) located and providing connection between the outer tube (20) and inner tube (10) and at least a sensor assembly (40). Rubber material is used as an elastomer body (30) stated in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Outer tube (20) and inner tube (10) can be made of any materials such as metal, plastic etc. in the preferred embodiments of the invention.
In preferred embodiment of the invention, sensor assembly (40) is a sensor measuring displacement (for example a fiber, piezoelectric, electromechanical) which is positioned in a manner to measure the displacement on the main axis of bushing. Furthermore the sensor assembly (40) can measure the force applied on the bushing (1 ) of which service life is detected on vehicle (90). Therefore warning system (80) provides force - displacement information via the sensor assembly (40) on the bushing (1 ) in its analysis of service life on vehicle (90). Besides acceleration and the temperature values in the bushing area can be measured through sensor assembly (40) in the bushing (1 ) service life warning system (80) with sensor assembly (40) and the obtained data is transferred to warning system (80).
The bushing (1 ) of which service life will be measured includes at least a sensor assembly (40) positioned to collect data from different operation axes depending on the dynamic over the vehicle (90) it is included in. Therefore it is possible to perform measurement on multiple operation axes. Figure 4a and 4b illustrate operation directions of the bushing (1 ) with sensor. Radial movement occurs around X and Y axis and axial movement occurs around Z axis. In the figures torsional operating direction (w) is illustrated for the axial movement around Z axis, cardanic operating direction is illustrated on Y axis for the radial movement on Y axis (b) and cardanic operating direction (Q) is illustrated on X axis for radial movement on X axis. Furthermore, Figures 5a and 5b are views respectively illustrating the location of the inventive bushing (1 ) structures with sensor on vehicle (90) and their locations on vehicle frame (91 ).
The sensor assembly (40), which is described in the preferred embodiments of the invention, can be positioned within the inner tube (10), on the outer surface of the inner tube (10), within elastomer body (30), on the inner surface of the outer tube (20), within the outer tube (20) or on the surface area of the outer tube (20) of the bushing. Figures 1 a to 3b illustrates the sectional views of these components respectively. Measurement or service life detection method applied in the in-vehicle bushing service life warning system (80) comprising a bushing (1 ) with the inventive sensor assembly (40) basically comprises sensing the parameter data determined on the rubber via the said sensor assembly (40) (for example displacement, force, acceleration or temperature) and transferring the same to a central processor unit on the vehicle (90), collecting the parameter data with a time stamp and storing the same in a memory unit, analyzing the data by comparing the same to a predetermined normal and limit values and giving the relevant warnings as a result of comparison.
Figure 6 illustrates the system components of the warning system (80) and the interaction between them. The information on the said displacement, force, acceleration or temperature parameters are collected from all vibration isolation components connected to the vehicle frame (91 ), especially directly from bushings (1 ) on the vehicle (90), service life of bushings (1 ) to be evaluated based on such values are interpreted and the driver is informed about the components of which service life is over or almost over. Hence, it is assumed that data is regularly collected from a control arm bushing (1 .1 ), a subframe bushing (1.2) and a trailing arm bushing (1.3) each of which having a sensor assembly (40) as exemplified in Figure 6 Predetermined data obtained from bushing service life parameters database (60) which enabling to make interpretation concerning life of bushings and real data obtained from data collection system (50) is compared and interpreted by an electronic control unit (70). The said electronic control system (70) triggers a warning system (80) if it decides that service life of one or several of bushings (1 ) is over or almost over as a result of comparison and decision routine that it conducts. The said warning system (80) can be a part of an electronic control system which is integrated to the control system on the vehicle (90) or added on the vehicle later.
For example, displacement or force data of a bushing is collected via a sensor assembly (40) located within a bushing (1) with a maximum ± 3 mm displacement due to the forces arising from road and vehicle (90) in accordance with the area or point where it is located on the vehicle (90), the collected displacement or force data is analyzed and mean displacement or mean force values are calculated, hence driver or the technical service is warned about the case in which bushing (1 ) is out of the maximum displacement limits within the predetermined time or kilometer-based control cycle. Therefore the operator or driver of the vehicle (90), technical service or parties to which the said information should be transferred (for example spare parts supplier) can be informed that the service life of the bushing (1 ) on the vehicle (90) is over or almost over. Other damages or risks which may happen within the vehicle (90) can be prevented as a bushing (1 ) of which service life is over or almost over is replaced on time. Static tests are conducted to determine the behaviour of a bushing, which is a vibration isolating device, under force or any change in shape. The relation between change in force and shape is illustrated by force-displacement curve. Based on such relation, the force that is necessary for a change in unit shape in an object is called static spring constant (stiffness), its unit is generally N/mm and it is shown as Ks. In order to analyze the change in static value, static spring constant is measured within the determined parameters before and after the fatigue test. An excessive difference in the change of static values means that the life performance of bushing worsens.
Dynamic spring constant change, static spring constant change, displacement-force change is analyzed in interpreting the service life of a bushing. Furthermore the bushing is visually checked against any deformation, cracks, breaking etc. and the fatigue test result is determined. Fatigue tests may be conducted as force or displacement-controlled.
In a force-controlled test, the force is kept constant during the determined number of cycles and the fatigue behaviour of the bushing is analyzed using displacement change curves. Bushing (1 ) performs displacing movement due to the forces arising from road and vehicle (90). When the determined or measured displacement value of the bushing (1 ) before operation increases, it can be said that the service life performance loss of the bushing (1 ) starts to increase.
In a displacement-controlled test, the displacement is kept constant during the determined number of cycles and the fatigue behaviour of the bushing (1 ) is analyzed using force change curves. It can be said that performance loss starts to increase as the force value decreases.
The thermal energy occurring in a part due to the inner frictions during the movement of bushes is another parameter that effects the service life of a part. Thus the service life of a part can be predicted by also collecting temperature data except for displacement and force data.
Static parameters in the first run time of the bushing (1 ) are taken as reference and the relevant changes are provided to be analyzed and concluded according to this reference value in order to eliminate the effects of other suspension system components which are in interaction with the bushing (1 ) by means of the bushing (1 ) with sensor assembly (40) which is manufactured.
In a warning system (80) where the control cycle is determined as a predetermined range, for example 1000 km; displacement values reached by the bushing (1 ) while driving the vehicle during for every 1000 km are collected by the sensor assembly (40), analyzed and warning is provided in cases where the displacement value is higher than ± 3mm at the end of the range. Bushings can displace over ± 3mm occasionally, instantly or temporarily due to various ambient conditions such as the speed of the vehicle (90). However, it is provided that due to the inventive warning system (80), warning is given when the determined parameter value (displacement value for such example) exceeds the said threshold value for a determined km or a time period instead of the case where each time the determined parameter value exceeds the threshold value (± 3mm displacement movement for this example). It is possible to give warning by tracking service life not only by measuring displacement but also by measuring force or acceleration.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle warning method comprising;
a bushing (1 ) with at least a sensor assembly (40) comprised of an outer tube (20), an inner tube (10) positioned concentrically to the outer tube (20), an elastomer body (30) positioned between the outer tube (20) and inner (10) and providing connection between them, through an electronic control system generating information on the service life of the bushing
at least an electronic control unit (70) located on the vehicle,
memory and peripheral units connected with control unit (70) characterized in that, the bushing (1 ) comprises at least a sensor assembly (40), which receives data from the main axis of the bushing (1 ) and transfers the data that it receives to the said electronic control unit (ECU) (70) on the vehicle having said bushing with the sensor assembly, the displacement or force data of the bushing of the vehicle (90) is collected for a predetermined range, transferred to the said electronic control unit (70) and such data is obtained by a data collection system (50) by the electronic control unit (70) by means of the said sensor assembly (40), parameter values determining the service life of a bushing of which service life status will be detected are uploaded to a bushing service life database (60), displacement or force data collected by the electronic control unit (70) from at least a bushing (1 ) with sensor assembly (40) and stored in a memory unit is analyzed and mean displacement or force values are calculated, the driver and/or technical service is warned in cases where bushing (1 ) is out of the maximum displacement limits within the frame of predetermined time or kilometer based control cycle.
2. A warning method according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises the process steps, reading parameter data determined in rubber by means of the said sensor assembly (40), collecting parameter data arising from sensor assembly (40) , storing the collected data, analysing the data and comparing the same to the predetermined normal and/or limit values, and giving the relevant warnings by means of comparing.
3. A warning system according to claim 1 , wherein; it gives warning in cases where the bushing (1 ) operates over a predetermined displacement value, in a predetermined period or kilometer.
PCT/TR2020/050607 2019-07-11 2020-07-08 A warning system allowing driver to be informed regarding life of vibration isolators in vehicles WO2021006847A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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TR2019/10351A TR201910351A1 (en) 2019-07-11 2019-07-11 A WARNING SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS THE VEHICLE USER NOTIFY ABOUT THE LIFES OF USE OF VIBRATION DAMPING ELEMENTS IN VEHICLES
TR2019/10351 2019-07-11

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10257955A1 (en) * 2002-12-12 2004-07-15 Volkswagen Ag Motor vehicle shock absorber has an optical arrangement for measuring displacement of the piston damper element, with the output signal of an optical sensor connected to an evaluation unit
CN202032994U (en) * 2011-04-25 2011-11-09 江苏兴邦建工集团有限公司 Device for measuring working deformation of shock isolating supporting seat
GB2494663A (en) * 2011-09-14 2013-03-20 St Microelectronics Res & Dev A system and corresponding method for monitoring vibration isolators

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10257955A1 (en) * 2002-12-12 2004-07-15 Volkswagen Ag Motor vehicle shock absorber has an optical arrangement for measuring displacement of the piston damper element, with the output signal of an optical sensor connected to an evaluation unit
CN202032994U (en) * 2011-04-25 2011-11-09 江苏兴邦建工集团有限公司 Device for measuring working deformation of shock isolating supporting seat
GB2494663A (en) * 2011-09-14 2013-03-20 St Microelectronics Res & Dev A system and corresponding method for monitoring vibration isolators

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